Could turbo-electric drive have allowed the machinery and propeller motors to be separated in Nelson or G3?
Short answerIt was considered, but contemporary systems could not provide enough trusted power for the required capital-ship speed.
NotesTurbo-electric drive offered a theoretical way to place generating turbines away from motors near the stern. The concept was considered but had not reached a level of power and reliability suitable for this battleship requirement. The available system could not confidently provide the power needed for the desired speed. Proposed diesel battlecruisers posed the same basic problem: a flexible machinery arrangement was useless if propulsion performance fell short.